SSP NEWS

Netball News

Welcome back to all Specialist Netball Student Athletes and families as we commence an exciting year at WHC. All students should be commended on settling in well and bringing some great enthusiasm to classes. A special welcome to our YR 7 Students who look pretty slick in their uniform and bringing heaps of energy.

At week 4 we are all systems go. On court, student athletes have embraced all aspects of their sessions as well as in Education and S&C sessions. On court sessions are structured in both general concepts on rotations and specialist area sessions in both mixed and ability groups to ensure we are providing a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive to all student athletes. 

All SSP Students have been exposed to the Expectations and Standards of being a SSP Student Athlete. This has been well received and clear around expectations of behaviour, respect and importantly attendance. We look forward to working with students to support them in this space.

We have many female and male athletes involved in both association and regional representative sides with upcoming State Titles and Association Championships approaching. Also there are students trialling for SSV Squads/Teams over the next month making it an exciting period on the netball calendar.

2026 Specialist Netball Program QLD Tour – National All Schools Netball Challenge:

We are excited to announce this year we will be offering the opportunity for 20 female student athletes aged 14yrs-17yrs the opportunity to represent WHC at the National All Schools Netball Tournament on the Gold Coast in QLD 30th August-4th September 2026.

An information night will be held on Monday 23rd February 5:30pm in G4 in the Green Building. Parents and Students interested are encouraged to attend. Post the information night student athletes will be asked to complete an expression of interest form where coaches will then select a group of 20 students.

** Please note this is for female student athletes 14yrs-17yrs only as per the competition guidelines. Those students who fall outside of this category will have other opportunities at different stages to nominate for within the Specialist Netball Program 6 yr experience.

Student Achievements:

Well done to Lexie Whatley who has made the Geelong Cougars VNL Reserves Team. Lexie has also recently been a part of the Victorian 19&U Squad and Netball Victoria Elevate program and High-Performance Program for Victorias elite underage netballers. Awesome effort Lexie!!

Congratulations and best wishes to Kim Kapao, Mahena Pirangi, Iris Chan Chui (12 & Under Girls) and Nevaeh Peta (16 & Under Girls) being selected to represent Victoria at the Indoor Netball Australia National Tournament being held in QLD this week. A very exciting time for these players and we wish you all the best have a great week. Go Vics!!

Important Dates:

Monday 23rd Feb Specialist Netball Program 2026 QLD Tour – National All Schools Challenge – Gold Coast. For students 14-17yrs (by 2nd September 2026) 5:30pm Green Building G4

Staffing Key Contacts for the Specialist Sports Program;

SSP Leader

Renee Lane – SSP Leader Renee.Lane@education.vic.gov.au

SSP Management Team

Cate Johnson – Operations Manager Cate.Johnson@education.vic.gov.au

Nick Richardson – High Performance Manager Nicholas.Richardson2@education.vic.gov.au

SSP Learning Community Leader

Paul Rogers Paul.Rogers@education.vic.gov.au

Please contact the appropriate staff / coaches at each of the Year Levels below if you have any concerns regarding your child’s athletic performance;

AFL Program:

Thomas Hunter (Yr 7-9): Thomas.Hunter@education.vic.gov.au

Will Sexton (Yr 10-12): William.Sexton@education.vic.gov.au

For any student injury concerns, please contact Ryan Spoors: Ryan.Spoors@education.vic.gov.au

Coaching Team: Matthew Scarlett, Brad Ottens, Kate Darby, Brendan McCartney, Georgie Prespakis and Ryan Spoors 

Basketball Program:

Head Coach - Ashley Arnott: Ashley.Arnott@education.vic.gov.au

For any student or program correspondence, Please also include, Kaleb Sclater, David Herbert and Kris Blicavs: Kaleb.Sclater@education.vic.gov.au

Kris.Blicavs@education.vic.gov.au

David.Herbert@education.vic.gov.au

* The program will continue to be supported by players from Geelong United WNBL team, including Taylor Mole.

Netball Program:

Head Coach - Susan Meaney: Susan.Meaney@education.vic.gov.au

For any student or program correspondence, Please also include, Stacey Dodds and Ainsley Corrigan: Stacey.Dodds@education.vic.gov.au

Ainsley.Corrigan@education.vic.gov.au

For any student injury concerns, please contact Seth Tomlinson: Seth.Tomlinson@education.vic.gov.au

Soccer Program:

Head Coach - Joseph Didulica: Joseph.Didulica@education.vic.gov.au

For any student or program correspondence, Please also include, Sean Mahon and Dan Conte: Sean.Mahon@education.vic.gov.au

Daniel.Conte@education.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Victory Coaching Team: Peter Kofinas and Cassian Anghel.

For any student injury concerns, please contact Nick Richardson: Nicholas.Richardson2@education.vic.gov.au

Please note: Any mainstream concerns are via the relevant Sub-School Leader or Learning Community Leader

Link to Purchase Sport Uniform

* For SSP and AAP students only

https://indigowolf.com.au/whcssp

Travel to and from SSP Training Venues Friendly Reminder:

Every child, regardless of their postcode is expected to travel with their class to and from practice venues, as a part of our Duty of Care. Students are not to arrive late or leave early from venues. In 2026, there will be no permanent ‘late’ arrivals or ‘early’ departures issued. It is expected that choosing WHC and the SSP, means you are committed to our 9am-3pm school hours – every day of the week. 

If, your child is required to leave early or arrive late (on the odd occasion), due to an appointment, please contact Anthe Petrovics our Attendance Officer via email to arrange this, so that it is visible on compass (for all staff). This is not to be arranged via Sport Coaches or Teachers.

Anthe Petrovics: Anthe.Petrovics@education.vic.gov.au